Sometimes it is not always about having the newest and in this case we are looking at watch that was introduced in 2012. Sometimes the best things fly under the radar until its re-discovered.

Our spotlights is on the Oris Artix GT Chronograph. This particular watch was produced to build on Oris’ motorsport heritage and resemble true classic motorsport through the design of a unique seconds counter that mimics a redline rev limiter. Some people might not know this company; all we can say is they have been around for over a hundred years and are a sponsor of the Le Man winning LMP1 Audi team. Oris has a long tradition of being involved with motorsports and it makes perfect sense to continue that movement with this timepiece.

The Artix GT Chronograph watch is a multi-piece construction with a stainless steel case and a black ceramic bezel that comes with a rubberized edge. The bezel is etched with a tachymeter (minute) scale. The etching and red 12 o’clock triangle provide an easy mark for the user to set the starting point. The rotating bezel is adjustable forward and backwards. Like the face of the watch, the backside of the case has a sapphire crystal displaying the inner mechanics of a fine automatic watch. The inner workings of this watch are provided by a 44mm Valjoux ETA 7750 movement.

The watch face only comes in black, which contains three other dials. Two dials at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock track 30 minutes and 12 hours, respectively. Then the unique dial located at the 9 o’clock position will display the smaller seconds with a mechanism that looks like a building RPM gauge. In the industry it is known as a linear retrograde seconds dial. The watch even manages to squeeze in a date window located within the hour counter at the 6 o’clock position.

Another feature is found on the hands of the watch. These polished hands are finished with a Superluminova inlay that means you will never be left in the dark when you need the time. The watch can be configured with either a rubber strap with folding clasp or stainless steel bracelet. This watch is priced around $2,000 which is what you can expect for a quality automatic chronograph that is versatile for business or pleasure.

To commorate the relationship with a one of a kind rally, Oris produced a special edition Chronograph to help drivers achieve their times. To mark the occasion of the 21st RAID Suisse-Paris Oris has created the Oris RAID 2011 Chronograph Edition, limited to 500 pieces. This beautiful timepiece features innovative design functions which are instrumental in assisting the co-pilot to time the rallye legs.

This watch is the second in a series of RAID chronograph watches that started in 2010. For those not familiar with the race, the watch is named after the RAID Suisse-Paris which originated in 1991 and involves pre- 1975 classic cars in a 600-mile contest that begins in Basel, Switzerland and ends in Paris, France. Last year’s 2010 Raid watch was inspired by a 1952 Jaguar XK 120, while this years watch is inspired by the prestigious 1953 Austin Healey 100M. In fact, the 2011 Chronograph watch is paying homage to the honorable winner of the RAID 2010.

The intricate dials of the Oris RAID 2011 Chronograph Edition have been inspired by the characteristic dashboard design of the 1953 Austin Healey 100M (named after the car’s ability to exceed 100mph). This version of the watch dial come in a simple black and silver color and is held to the wrist by a black leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp. Every detail was carefully examined when this watch was conceived as the top red painted minute hand is instrumental in aiding the copilot easily identify the seconds as they tick. Enhancing the resilience of each model, the chronograph movement is housed within a stainless steel case with double curved sapphire crystal and a non reflective coating on the inside, whilst the RAID Suisse-Paris logo is exclusively displayed on the case back. The number 21 of the date disc is printed in red, in respect to the 21st RAID Suisse-Paris.

Each piece is presented in a luxury wooden box to further notify the owner that his/her Oris RAID 2011 timepiece is elegant in design which is perfect for classic car and watch lovers alike.